Matt Moore got rocked by Bud Dupree and was back in the game two plays later. (Getty Images)

MOBILE, Ala.–Dolphins quarterback Matt Moore did not suffer a concussion in the team’s playoff game against Pittsburgh, but the NFL and NFLPA determined that the team did not fully follow the Concussion Protocol before sending him back into the game two plays later.

Moore took a shot to the helmet from the Steelers’ Bud Dupree and hit the back of his head hard on the ground when he fell. The primary issue with Miami allowing him to return was that the medical staff did not recognize that he was bleeding from the mouth.

The NFL issued a statement today documenting that error and advised the Dolphins that any future mishandling of the Concussion Protocol could result in a fine or other penalty. The report exonerated the coaching staff, which is consistent with Adam Gase saying after the game that he and his assistants never get involved in those situations.

“The team doctor took appropriate steps to promptly and fully involve the Unaffiliated Neuro-trauma Consultant (UNC) in the medical evaluation of the player and review of the video,” the league’s statement said. “They jointly cleared Mr. Moore to return to the game, but did not recognize that Mr. Moore presented a documented symptom, bleeding from the mouth, that required further evaluation in the locker room under the protocol.

“There is no indication that competitive issues had an impact on the care that Mr. Moore received, nor did Mr. Moore demonstrate any concussion symptoms either during or at any time following the game.”

Dupree was assessed a roughing the passer penalty for the player and fined $18,321.

Moore, who had a concussion in the preseason last year, said at the time he was never concerned that he had suffered another one on the play in question.

“I just got popped,” he said. “I just needed a second there. It was more my jaw than anything else.”

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About the Authors

Jason Lieser has covered sports in Chicago, New Orleans and now South Florida

Joe Schad is a sports reporter for The Palm Beach Post who covers the Miami Dolphins. He previous covered sports for ESPN, the Orlando Sentinel and Newsday.

After 19 years as a sports writer, copy editor and assistant sports editor at The Miami Herald, Hal Habib joined The Palm Beach Post's sports department in 1998. Areas of coverage range from the Olympics, Kentucky Derby and Super Bowl to local sports.